Chaos Online as MP Caleb Amisi Demands 24K Likes to Push Ruto Impeachment
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MP Caleb Amisi has generated controversy after calling for 24,000 likes and retweets on X before he can file an impeachment motion against President William Ruto, turning a constitutionally sanctioned process into an online popularity contest.
On May 29, Amisi posted on his X account saying he considered the platform a public arena and public involvement was a constitutional requirement.
He then asked Kenyans to retweet and like the post if they wanted him to impeach the president.
He set the benchmark of 24,000 likes for him to proceed and said, “Let’s do this for our nation. Kenya needs a renaissance.”
By Friday morning, the post had received 273,000 views, 15,000 likes, 5,800 retweets and 1,000 comments.
A second post showed he had hit 7,600 likes on the post.
Different Criticism from Kenyans on Twitter
The move immediately drew criticism as Kenyans accused Amisi of reducing his mandate and constitutional obligation into a vote for popularity.
“Why is he acting like an influencer. We need an MP with guts. Show solidarity with us,” Dennis Kangara wrote.
“Do MPs need likes to fulfill their oath of office? Shame on Kenyans who are falling for this,” KIPRUTO said.
“Must Kenyans like posts for leaders to respect mandates?” D_dan questioned.
“Mr. MP, you do not need likes to impeach this guy; impeachment is your mandate,” Junior told him off.
Political Accountability Online as Other Supporters Threw their Weight Behind the MP’s Post on Ruto’s Impeachment
“IMPEACH PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO!!!” Evelyne started with the hashtag #Rutomustgonow. “It is time we amend Article 145 of the Constitution.
“The responsible people are themselves,” user Iwasneveronearth stated.
Experts said MPs were required to fulfill their mandate on the strength of their oath of office and no motion had been tabled by May 30, morning.
Authorities stated the entire issue highlights the widespread discontent in the governance system, the growing trend by politicians to use X to gauge public opinion and the potential conflict between a movement organized online and established laws.
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Feedback on Caleb Amisi’s X post as he ties a Ruto impeachment motion to social media engagement. / PHOTO Caleb X
